So it's 12 o'clock on what is traditionally one of the most exciting days in the Irish cricketing calendar, with the first rounds of the Clear Currency Irish Senior and National Cups.
It seems nobody has told Cricket Ireland though.
Not a word about it on their website. Not a single tweet. And worst of all they haven't even bothered to upload the fixtures onto their App which cost 28k.
Is this indicative of the contempt and disregard they have for the club game?

Ed's Note: They have limited resources and with all the international games this month and the women's ODIs starting tomorrow, they will have been stretched to the limit.

Date: 25/5/2019Author: Stephen

Does anyone know when the Ireland Wolves are playing Scotland? I read that it was supposed to be very early June; however we are nearly there now and I have yet to see anything confirmed! Be nice to go watch them for a day or two.

Date: 25/5/2019Author: Ian M

Managed to make it to Stormont on Tuesday.

It was a rare experience to be there and not have to yomp through the mud!

Great to see plenty off covers available but thankfully we were able to enjoy an uninterrupted day. Hats off to the groundsman for producing a truly great batting track. Probably the best I have witnessed at this venue. Easy a 300 pitch at this level. Even Afgh who had a weakened lineup made it look easy, but our only weapon seemed to be the bouncer.

Pity our batsmen are so poor. 179 on that deck was criminal. Every one gave away their wicket. A couple of good catches but most were straight down the Aghani fielders throats... McCollum doesnt look like an opener. Wilson just protects his average. Plus he was culpable for McBrines run out....

Only plus was a nice knock from Stirling and some lovely bowling from McBrine.

Date: 25/5/2019Author: Harlean Carpenter

I'm not even vaguely going to try and match Keith's tipping efforts, mainly because I dont follow club cricket closely enough from over here to do so, but...

Given one side of my family ancestry is from Tralee, I just hope you're wrong about Co Kerry! The other side is from Banagher, in Offaly, which as far as I know isn't the strongest cricket area in the whole of Ireland, lol?

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Keith Montague

Its that time of year again folks with the Irish Senior and National Cups starting. So on to the Predictions

Anyone agree / disagree with me especially on the Shock of the Rounds predictions. Both Cork sides have started 4 from 4 in the MCU Region whilst Insts are 0 for 3 in NCU Premier and Railway Union 0 for 5 in the LCU Phase 1 Group A.

Good Luck to everyone playing, watching or umpiring this week and safe travels, if the weather plays ball we are in for some crackers.

Posted at 23:55 on Friday 24/05/2019

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Terry

Sorry could have mentioned getgate, ackland, richardson, mcarter.

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Terry

I agree with all the comments about the next generation, I'm just wondering about the likes of James Shannon & Stuart Thompson, there are some players of that genre, I'm not a cricket efficionano, I don't play cricket, I play allot of sport and follow cricket religiously.
We certainly produce the players to be competitive/successful, but I'm not sure the cricket ireland model provides enough exposure to high level competitive cricket. An Indian Gentleman o spoke to advised, irish players in general are not exposed to the grind and intensity of county cricket regularly enough, to be consistent, consistently at the highest level. Perhaps we aim to have an international team of players competing at the highest level, but this does not give a constant flow of players prepared at the highest level who can step up, or grow the game sufficiently.
Verbal over.

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Frank Mitchell

I've just heard about the Middlesex match in June. This sounds like a great development, I never thought we would see a English county side taking on a Irish side like Leinster Lightnings.

What sort of a side will they bring over and could Leinster be competitive?

Can a county side be lined up for a match here against our Warriors or Knights?

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Paddy O`Hara

Greatly saddened to learn of the death of Alan Dunn. On behalf of the officials` fraternity in NCU, may I extend our sincere sympathy to his whole family circle. PLOH.

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Ian Muldoon

@Tony Moran
I am well thanks, and I trust that you are too. I did not mention Barry McCarthy because he is already in the squad, but I hope for better bowling economy, and more runs down the order from him. Yes, I would like to see better results, but for me this season has already yielded 5 reasons for optimism:
1/ The April academy tour was successful and showed strength in depth
2/ The Wolves beat the full Bangladesh side, a first.
3/ In the tri-series we lost 3 with 1 rained off, the same as the last tri-series here in 2017. But we competed better overall and compiled 2 good totals in the 3 matches
4/ We gave England a good game, and could well have won.
5/ We drew with Afghanistan. They beat us at home last year, and within the last hour they have also beaten Pakistan.

Interesting to see who the selectors pick for the Wolves v Scotland, but I suppose it will be the contracted players not involved in the ODI series, and those who could do with a few runs like McCollum & Lorcan Tucker

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Dick Forrest

Played against Alan Dunn in a Beckett Cup final way back, he won MoM. On meeting him occasionally since he always made it seem like yesterday. He will have no bother with St. Peter, those sparkling eyes would open any gates. My sympathies to his nearest & dearest.

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Ian Walshe

What about T Tector and H Tector Manager?!!!!

Date: 24/5/2019Author: David Caldwell

It has been sad to hear about the passing of colleague Alan Dunn this morning. Alan was a true gentleman on and off the cricket field as a player and as an umpire. He will be sorely missed by all his colleagues. As president of the umpires & scorers association in the North-West Cricket Union, I send the sincere condolences to all his family circle, of which there are many. D.W.Caldwell

Date: 24/5/2019Author: MKIA

All Ireland

North West prospects looking few and far between. Fancy Bready at home. Glendermott maybe. Tough trips but possible Donemana or Brigade could pull it off.

Date: 24/5/2019Author: Brigade CC

Brigade CC wish to extend our deepest condolences to Stephen Dunn and indeed the whole Dunn family following Alan's untimely passing today.
We would also offer our sympathies to Alan's extended family and friends, and all at Donemana CC.
There was never a dull moment in Alan's company and he will be sorely missed around the grounds in the North West.
The game truly has lost one of its most affable characters.
May his gentle soul Rest In Peace